Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Hello, friends!Due to some Internet connectivity problems this morning, I'm just now able to announce our giveaway winner. First of all, I want you to know how very gratifying it was for me to see all the interest shown in my photo cards. Each of your sweet comments here and on my Facebook link brought a smile to my face. Truly. I really do thank you for all of these gifts, and especially for your continued presence here and interest in my life. As I wrote each of your names down to cut and place in the basket, I thought of each of you. You, wherever you are in this world, and how much love I feel for you (did you know I love you?) whether I know you or not. If you could look inside my heart, you would also know how much joy it would be for me to send each one of you a surprise package with a note and my cards inside.But for now, I do have one faithful reader who will receive my gift. And this person (and kind comment) is:

Sam

Oh these cards are beautiful! Please add my name to your drawing. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.

Congratulations, Sam!

Please send me an email with your contact information and I'll get the cards sent off to you just as soon as I can.

Friday, December 12, 2014

outing: solo shopping outings, watching Isaac play his violin last night at his school winter concert, finding shoes for the wedding (hoping I can make it in heels), movie date tonight with Eliza, church Christmas dinner and family dinners to attend this weekend.doing: crossing off my list bit by bit, but not feeling the stress or pressure like I have most years. Those early years of my motherhood where I felt like I was on a runaway train and couldn't get off... homemade gifts for everyone on my list, sewing Christmas dresses for the girls and pajamas for all the kids, baking my guts out for the neighborhood, (churning out 18+ loaves of bread in one day was not an uncommon feat.), etc, etc. I'm finding that I've let go of a lot of the expectations I've put on myself over the years. Striving to only do those things that bring me joy. Trying to simplify and cut back, even when part of me feels like I should and can do more. But with all the extra factors of this month, I'm finding that simplifying is a true necessity.It was nice to send out our Christmas card and letter this week. (a few more to mail.) So glad we had that family photo taken back in August. Still need to do some more shopping (isn't online shopping wonderful?), send Sam's and a few other packages off, and a bit of baking, but I know from all the experience of previous Christmases that things always get done if they are important enough.listening: Rachmaninoff, Chef AJ's plant-based eating teleclasses on Youtube, and of course, various Christmas music channels on Pandora.reading: in bed with Isaac the other night: Pearl S. Buck's classic Christmas Day in the Morning (my very favorite. I cry every time.) and Cajun Night Before Christmas (in honor of my heritage. Surprising myself how I totally rock the accent.)

eating: that big plate of potatoes and zucchini for breakfast lasting me all morning, and probably through the afternoon.missing: my morning walks. Oh, how I miss being outside.enjoying: coming downstairs in the early morning to the light and warmth of the Christmas tree lights. Having all of us gathered around that beautiful tree all cozy last night. (G & G came over after Isaac's concert, Jane wanting to come home after getting off work). All of us laughing at something cute Isaac said. Gary's smile while his hands cup his mug of cocoa. Greta wrapped up and snuggled in the red throw. Me rubbing Jane's soft hands. Eliza (president of her school service committee) sharing with all of us the joy she's felt and the transformation she's seen in her fellow students throughout their school-wide "Service Week" which she spearheaded. Each day with a theme... Make a New Friend Day, Let's Honor the Janitors Day, Secret Service Day, and today's Service Auction to raise money for needy families at the school. So proud of all the work and thought that she's put into this huge project. smiling: these beautiful, perfect wedding announcements. The big day just a few weeks away.Thanks to all who have left sweet comments here or on Facebook for my photo card giveaway. There's still time to "enter the drawing"! xo

Welcome!

About Me

I’m Emily.

My blog’s name, “Abide With Me” comes from a hymn that I love. As I’ve pondered this phrase, I’ve found many layers of meaning. To me, its central theme conveys my greatest desire, that the life I choose to live and the person I want to be will facilitate companionship with God. That my home, and I think more importantly, that I as an individual, can be a refuge and a sanctuary for others.

Through this blog, I invite you, friends or strangers, to come and abide with me as I open my heart and home to you in understanding, honesty, discovery, and reflection. That you can join me in my quest for a simple, joyful, meaningful life. My hope is that your visit here leaves you uplifted, edified, and with a feeling of peace.

I love being a mother to my five children and wife to my husband, Keith. I love being a homemaker; my highest calling and chosen profession. Our family has been blessed on our home education journey. I love to learn, read, and study. I love taking care of my body through daily movement such as yoga, running, or taking a long walk. I enjoy preparing wholesome, nourishing, and delicious foods and learning how I can proactively care for our family’s every-day wellness and health.